Lila Delman Real Estate honored for preservation efforts

Preserve Rhode Island will honor Lila Delman Real Estate on Thursday, Oct. 21, for the restoration of the firm’s professional offi ce buildings in both Narragansett and Newport, historic buildings that had fallen into disrepair.

The second annual Rhody Awards ceremony will be celebrated at the newly restored Casino Theatre at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport.

Originally the “reading room” for gentleman visitors, the Lila Delman headquarters in Narragansett has been carefully restored to its Victorian appearance. Original details and artifacts collected by Lila Delman herself adorn the new offices, enhancing its period detail.

The structure was added onto many times, the additions were reformed and the porches redesigned to contain two office “wings.”

Originally constructed on Mathewson Street in 1875, the building was moved to its present site in 1899. The restoration was conducted by using old photographs and details of construction hidden behind walls and under shingles, and by matching details of other similar local buildings.

The landmark building at 3 Memorial Blvd. in Newport began life as a residence fitted with a small business, then became one of the popular taverns in town until it was purchased by Lila Delman Real Estate for a complete rehabilitation in 2005.

For this effort, Lila Delman received the 2007 Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award from the Newport Restoration Foundation.

Lila Delman Real Estate will host an open house at its Narragansett office, 41 Ocean Rd., on Sunday, Oct. 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. Members of the public are invited to stop in, toast and tour the award-winning restoration of the historic “reading room.”